SPRINGFIELD – A bipartisan measure to close a conflict of interest loophole in Illinois state law passed the Illinois Senate on Tuesday.

“No one should be exempt from good government,” said State Senator Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago). “This will close a loophole that could have caused severe conflicts of interest.”

The bipartisan measure, House Bill 2439, would not allow members of the Illinois Energy Conservation Advisory Council to receive any state grants for teaching continuing education regarding any rule proposed by the council.

“It is unethical to receive state funds to teach about rules you are creating,” Cunningham said. “Illinois needs to continue to close these loopholes and today we took a strong step towards doing that.”

The measure now moves to the governor’s desk for his signature.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago) had the following statement after votes being taken on a property tax freeze.
 
“The Illinois Senate has voted to deliver much needed property tax relief to homeowners throughout the state,” Cunningham said. “This is another step the Senate has taken to make a serious attempt to end the impasse by passing a balanced budget and significant reforms that protect working families.”

SPRINGFIELD – Custody of defendants with mental health issues could become more streamlined and appropriate due to legislation that passed the Illinois Senate on Monday.

“We need to provide the necessary resources to ensure the mental health of those determined to be unfit to stand trial or not guilty by reason of insanity be dealt with appropriately,” said State Senator Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago). “It will only help to keep our communities safer in the long run.”

The legislation, House Bill 649, would create a formal process for the county sheriff and the Department of Human Services to handle custody of defendants found unfit to stand trial or not guilty by reason of insanity. It provides requirements regarding the evaluation and transportation of the defendant to a secure facility.

The legislation now moves to the governor’s desk for approval.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham had the following response to the votes taken today on the ‘Grand Bargain’ legislation.

“We have tried again and again to achieve a bipartisan compromise that would help put Illinois’ fiscal house in order and the governor has once again blocked progress,” Cunningham said. “He keeps saying were close. Well, close is not good enough for the MAP grant recipient who may not be able to attend Moraine Valley next semester. Illinois needs decisive action, not more talk about being close.”

Senator Cunningham continues to work toward properly funding higher education and ensuring MAP grants are funded both for the current fiscal year and next year.